PODCAST ANSWERS:

 

	1.	I heard the major of interior design was very challenging and that there is not much free time to go out and explore the city of Philadelphia. Is that always the case? It is very challenging and there will be times that you may not have time to go out because of your work, but it just all depends on how you manage your time and how you work. I'm in architecture and there are times where we are on campus weeks at a time, but even going out to get supplies is a trip to the city, and we take advantage. Also, you have to know your limits and be disciplined, so you can balance work time and play time; don't want to burn yourself out just yet.
	2.	What do you like and dislike about living on campus? What I like about living on campus is that it is convenient, as a design major and needing access to the studios it is much easier getting to do your work. If you can't go to the city and you need supplies the bookstore is available with supplies we need for projects. Living on campus is one of the easiest ways to meet people. What I dislike about living on campus, honestly, are people who burn popcorn in their microwaves, causes fire alarms to go off. So make sure everyone you know, knows how to pop popcorn.
	3.	I am from the south and wanting to find out if the weather is ever a issue in getting to and from classes. How does the weather play apart in school activities? If there is severe inclement weather there are news channels on the radio and TV to let you know of cancellations or delays. All students on campus are also sent emails for the day if there should be any inclement weather conditions hindering classes. No matter the weather school activities go on, unless performers are stuck and then all students are notified via email.
	4.	Are the dorms either strictly female or mail, or do they alternate gender by floor, or by room? My second question is what companies, if any, recruit students on site, especially for graphic design majors. For freshman dorms are separated by gender floors, at one of the residence halls Ronson Hall on the Ravenhill side of campus have houses with two wings; one wing for males and one wing for the females. When you reach upperclassmen housing in the Independence Plaza apartments or affiliated housing you room with the same gender but your neighbors maybe of the opposite or same gender. There are expos for design majors that bring employers to our campus and students are asked to bring their resumes and portfolios for this event for internships, interviews, etc.
	5.	Is it difficult to get adjusted to life away from home and living with someone you barely know? No not really, as a first year you are sent your roommates information so that you can converse and plan before you come to school. There's a two week "freeze period" that we do in the freshman residence halls so you can get time to get to know your roommate before you think of switching. I really had no problem with my roommates, neither with my friends.
	6.	1) What type of computer would you recommend to best aid in my studies and success at Philadelphia University? 2) Do you find the teachers over demanding, or do you feel they give adequate time for the completion of assigned tasks? 3) What type of aid should I expect as a new student that will help me become accustomed to campus life? 4) When your not busy with schoolwork what is there close by that is fun? 1) There's information on our school website under the Technology Desk section that will let you know of recommended systems. It also depends on what are your purposes for a computer at school. For my first year it really had to do with word processors and such. In my second year of Architecture we're working with Adobe Software and AutoCAD. So it just all depends, Since I live far from home I personally do not have a PC I use a laptop. 2) It depends on what context of work you mean. In our Design Studio, you're really not able to escape work. "In the classroom" type courses the work that is given is adequate, may seem over demanding but it also depends on how you manage your time. 3) At the beginning of the school year we have NSO, New Student Orientation, and this is held days before school starts so that you're given a chance to get to know the rest of your class, there is the First Year Experience with the Community Assistants that have trips, events, and activities for freshman students to attend. All their trips, events, and activities, pertain to you and your immediate community on campus as well as the city of Philadelphia that you live in. Just make sure to always keep your eyes out for their fun events (Hershey Park, Phillies Games, trip to the Metroplex, The Philadelphia Museum of Art Shuttle to Center City, etc.). 4) Manayunk is close by, our "Main Street" close to campus, there's a movie theatre down there, coffee shops, boutiques, shops, and more. Manayunk is the next town over that can be walked to or the next train stop over. But the city is not that far either in 15 minutes you can be in Center City if you take the train, there's also Septa Buses that you can ride to get you into the city. If you want to jog or go bike riding Kelly Drive is available next to the river for everyone to use, it's quite a view.
	7.	How will Philadelphia University help me advance in this cut throat world?  How will the influence of this small university help me in the real world?  What does it have to offer me that other colleges might or might not have that are better or more advanced then the other college? Besides our full time faculty available on campus we also have what we call "adjunct faculty" these are practicing professors in the profession, so that they are able to inform you and share with you the present practices in their fields. The University also encourages and recommends to take advantage of Career Services to help you build your resume and be prepared for interviews, etc. At the University you can indulge in anything you want on campus with all the different majors available to you. Also you learn how you can collaborate with other majors other than your own to solve problems/situations, bring in new perspectives, or even begin your own projects with other people. Our textiles program here is the only University that allows its students to use the equipment and not only learn through theory. The school takes stretches to bring the best to its students, in forms of lectures by successful individuals that share their experiences with students, also with our school in smaller neighbors you receive the attention you deserve rather than being ignored. Professors here are very personal and are always willing to help you beyond just your class hours.
	8.	How does being a student at Philadelphia University encourage you to do well for yourself and others in terms of academics and also in reference to community service? Academically I think you become most encouraged by what the programs have to offer, like I am looking forward to studying abroad in two years, when I'm thinking about and getting ready to register I have an advisor that's from my program to ask for guidance to choose my classes, organizations on campus pertaining to your major, but most of all -- all the upperclassmen that I meet and become friends with make it really something to look forward to. Community Service, the Assistant Director of Student Activities sends out e-mails any time there's community service available, one thing done during New Student Orientation is the Plunger, which allows all first years to do some community service for the afternoon at different places to choose from in the city of Philadelphia.
	9.	What is your favorite thing to do at college when you are not in class? Checking out the city with my friends, whether it be eating out, shopping, or checking out the theatre, but the best of all is just walking through the different streets of Center City and find new places to dine or shop.
	10.	How are the students matched up as roommates? As the weeks draw closer to the summer you will receive a housing contract which you need to fill out and return to the office of residence life.  On that contract there are a few lifestyle questions like “Do you smoke?”, “Are you a night owl or an early bird?”, etc.  Your responses are then put into a computer system and randomly matched up with others who may have answered the same as yourself, but no one can say since it is random.  You can also request a particular roommate on the contract, so if there is a particular person you would like to room with, you need to put their name down and they need to do the same, with your name, on their contract.
	11.	I was just wondering about the things other than school that Philadelphia can offer. Like fraternities, clubs, sports, etc. I am in a few extra curricular activities now and I plan on joining some when I go to Philadelphia. If you could just describe some of the activities you have to offer that would be greatly appreciated. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved here!  We have over 40 clubs and organizations which range from Student Government to Gemini Theatre to the Rampage student newspaper.  We also have 16 NCAA DII sports which compete at the university, plus there are tons of recreational sports which happen each semester.  In addition to all that, we do have six fraternities and sororities which are part of the campus.  I am the President of Sigma Nu Fraternity, a social fraternity here at the university.  I am also part of SGA (Student Government) and will be serving as the President next year.   It is very easy to get involved here and if you are not satisfied with what we offer, start a new club or organization!  Just make sure you get involved!  I will give you a few links to check out student life here: Student Government: http://orgs.philau.edu/sga/ Athletics: http://www.philau.edu/athletics/ Campus Life: http://www.philau.edu/campuslife.html
	12.	When walking around campus, do you feel it is a small, closed in environment, or do you feel connected to the lively city of Philadelphia? The campus is one of the major reasons why I chose Philadelphia University.  When you are on campus you feel as if you are in the suburbs, but you know that you could be right in Center City in five minutes time.  I love it!
	13.	Do you feel you have many things to do on the weekends on or off campus? How far from downtown are you? My weekends are always packed with things to do and there is always something going on.  On campus there are programs which are held each weekend by the Campus Activities Board that are always a lot of fun.  This past weekend they had mind readers...crazy!  FYE, the First Year Experience, also hosts tons of events which help your hall and building build community.  Besides all the on campus stuff, there is always something to do in the city.  From museums to concerts to historical sites, there is always fun stuff.
	14.	What are some of the most popular things for students to do off campus? Philadelphia is a great city with many opportunities!  Many students like to go exercise in Fairmount Park, the world’s largest inner-city park which is adjacent to campus, go check out one of the many museums on the parkway, take a walk down Main Street in Manayunk and go to a bar or shop, learn a little history at one of Philly’s many historical sites, go dancing at one of the many clubs on Delaware Avenue, and check out a Phillies Game in South Philly.  The list is endless, but I can definitely tell you that there is plenty to do.
	15.	I was wondering about rooming and being assigned a roommate. Is there some sort of criteria roommates are matched with, or are they chosen randomly? As the weeks draw closer to the summer you will receive a housing contract which you need to fill out and return to the office of residence life.  On that contract there are a few lifestyle questions like “Do you smoke?”, “Are you a night owl or an early bird?”, etc.  Your responses are then put into a computer system and randomly matched up with others who may have answered the same as yourself, but no one can say since it is random.  You can also request a particular roommate on the contract, so if there is a particular person you would like to room with, you need to put their name down and they need to do the same, with your name, on their contract.
	16.	What is a typical freshman night on your campus? Do you party? Join in on certain extra curricular? Do you go to the city often? There is always something to do on and off campus.  Campus Activities Board and the First Year Experience host events and programs for the campus.  These events are always different and a lot of fun.  In addition to that, there are plenty of parties, this is college....ha-ha.  Many people do go into the city very often.  The train is just a two minute walk from campus and it only takes about 10 minutes to get into Center City.
	17.	I live in a house with my own bathroom and I was just wondering what its like sharing a bathroom with a whole floor of people? Sharing a bathroom is always interesting.  You will get used to it.  It is not bad at all, plus they are thoroughly cleaned every morning.  Just as long as your hall respects the bathroom you will not have any problems at all. Just remember to bring flip flops...lol!
	18.	Do the dorms come with mini-refrigerators and or microwaves, televisions? Each hall lounge has one refrigerator, microwave, and television which you can share with the rest of your hall mates.  You are more than welcome to bring your own TV for your room.  My freshman year, I brought my 27” and it was really nice...ha-ha.  Each room is wired for internet, cable, and telephone access.  As for the mini-fridge and microwave, you can rent a mini-fridge/microwave through the university for like $120 a year.  I recommend doing that.  My roommate and I did that our  freshman year and it worked out much better.  Plus, you cannot bring your own microwave unless it is part of the micro-fridge.  Just make sure you talk to your roommate before move-in so that you can square away the details so you both don’t have two of everything!
	19.	Is it easy to meet new people?  Are there events or activities to do on campus?  Is PhilaU a backpack school like many other colleges?  What is life really like in a dorm?  Do people generally get along as a whole? It is very easy to meet new people.  The university works very hard to host events and programs in the beginning of the school year, especially during New Student Orientation, to help you break the ice and meet tons of new people.  As for things to do, there are always activities going on either hosted by the university or campus clubs and orgs.  Each weekend there are at least three major programs going on at campus.  Backpacking is not cool!  Ha-ha-ha!  At Philadelphia, there are some who do go home on the weekends, but most people stay around to check out what is going on around campus and the city.  Life in a dorm is great!  I miss my year in Ronson when we would all have great times.  You really develop lasting friendships with your hall mates and have tons of fun!  As for getting along, I have never had or heard any real problems with people getting along.  People grow up when they get to college and let go of their high school personas.  At school you are a real community who lives and works together, so it is a different mindset.
	20.	Would you consider Philadelphia University a commuter school? What do the students that stay on campus do for fun? I would not consider Philadelphia University a commuter school.  No school is a commuter school unless students let it be.  Campus activities board as events both nights of the weekend for students to get involved in.  Bingo is really big here.  Those kinds of games always have great prizes to win and are a lot of fun.  They get a really good turn out.  Center city is also so close to campus.  It’s only a short train ride away and the First Year Experience also holds a lot of events for first year students, including trips into center city.  We live right near Manayunk as well.  It’s a cute little town with lots of shops and restaurants.  The main street is beautiful to walk around at and get out for the day.  There is so much to do in our lively city.
	21.	I know that there is a lot to do in a city. What are some suggested recreational activities to do during free time and some good places to eat in and around PhilaU? I did, however, hear that bingo was big. Could you also explain how that works, too? Activities around campus range for everyone.  There are tons of clubs and intramural sports throughout the entire year. Campus activities board as events both nights of the weekend for students to get involved in.  Center city is also so close to campus.  School only a short train ride away and the First Year Experience also holds a lot of events for first year students, including trips into center city.  We live right near Manayunk as well.  It’s a cute little town with lots of shops and restaurants.  The main street is beautiful to walk around at and get out for the day.  Restaurants are in Manayunk as well as right down the street there are a couple of restaurants.  There is Johnny Manyana’s which is Mexican and Buckets which is burgers and fries.  There is so much to do in our lively city! Yes, Bingo is really big here.  Basically students go to a large place on campus and have a huge tournament of bingo.  It lasts for a long time and is really fun.  They have prizes like DVD’s to TV’s to sometimes gift certificates.  So you can win really good stuff and its so much.
	22.	What kind of job opportunities are there in the area for PhilaU students relating to Fashion Merchandising after they graduate? There are many jobs all over the city.  The internship and graduate job program office works really hard to place students in internships and help with the job search after graduation.  The city is booming for people in the field of Fashion Merchandising.  There are in-office and online programs to place your resume for jobs and also job fairs where students can meet office executives and get their name in the door.
	23.	What are the advantages of attending a school like Philadelphia University that is located inside the city of Philadelphia? I think the largest advantage is that Philadelphia University is inside one of the largest growing cities in the country.  But we also have the homelike appearance.  There are trees everywhere and it is more of a typical college campus setting rather than building set into the massive city life.  It’s nice to have a quant place to go to school that is right inside of the city.  It’s the best of both worlds.
	24.	I already received a small academic scholarship with my acceptance letter, are there other ways to help with the high cost of your private university? There are always way to help with the cost of the school.  The scholarships are huge.  Congratulations on receiving an academic scholarship.  But you can also apply for the FAFSA which evaluates your background and grants financial aid (more money) towards your tuition.  The best way to pay for school is with a payment plan.  Working with the college so that only smaller amounts are made at different times really helps.  This way it is easy to keep track of when and how much is paid, and it’s in smaller amounts. If you contact the office of Financial Aid they will be able to send you information on the programs that the school offers for you.
	25.	As a college student, obviously, life is different then at home. What part of life is the hardest thing to adjust to as a freshman on campus and what are some easy ways to overcome fears one might have about living on their own? Usually the hardest thing is adjusting to a roommate that you may not have known previously.  But everyone is in the same boat no one has done this before.  So it’s easy to relate and meet people.  Being shy is really easy but since everyone feels the same way just don’t be shy.  It’s so easy to make friends here as long as you put yourself out there for it.  When first moving into school there are five days where no students are around campus except for new students.  So everyone is new and everyone is looking to make new friends.  There are upper classman that work during those days to plan events to get people acclimated with each other, the city, and Philadelphia University.  It’s a really fun few days before classes start in the fall.
	26.	What’s harder about the transition to college: getting accustomed to college level work or rebuilding your social base? I think they are about the same.  The classes are difficult and different than high school but meeting new people can be hard as well.  As long as you keep an open mind nothing is too difficult to obtain. When moving in everyone is new and looking for friends so meeting people can be easy just as long as you put yourself out there for it.  Talk to new people and introduce yourself.  The friendlier you are the friendlier others will be.  With classes just make sure to keep up on your work and you’ll be fine.  College is when you work on things that you want to spend the rest of your life doing.  So it’s usually topics that interest you.
	27.	As a person who admires the arts and music, is there time during your education at PhilaU were you can get into the city and experience what it has to offer without the haranguing fear that a paper is due the next day for a class or a test or a large workload? There is always time to get into the city and see the arts and sites.  Keeping up on work is key.  As long as you do not leave all of your work until the last minute there should never be times where you are so overwhelmed that you can’t get out for an afternoon in the city.  The school also offers tons of trips into the city to see the sites and to experience is at a really cost effective price.  Also with your Philadelphia University ID we get into most of the art museums for free! So that’s always good!!
	28.	I have a question about classes. What seems to be the most popular way for students to be prepared for classes? Does everyone take notes in a notebook, do most people use laptops? What should I bring to be prepared? Usually students will just get notebooks and the required textbooks for class.  Many of the professors will give out the syllabi on the first day of class.  If students feel it’s easier for them to bring a laptop that is most definitely an option but it seems that in most classes it’s easier to keep notes in a notebook with the handouts provided in class.  When you come as long as you have a notebook with a folder for each class that should be perfect.  That way you can put everything together and if you decided to type anything up it will be in with all of the notes as well.
	29.	What community projects are available on campus and how involved are the students in campus and community life? The community service program at Philadelphia university founded upon the belief that service is an integral part of life. they develop students into community conscious leaders who have an active and engaged relationship with the city of Philadelphia and surrounding neighborhoods. Participants in the program expand their knowledge and broaden their influence to the communities they touch. this year members helped collect items worth over $5,000 for the victims of Katrina.
	30.	Is there going to be an “Accepted Students Day” or “Open House for Accepted Students” before the May 1st decision day deadline? Are there any opportunities to sleepover and attend classes before May 1st? We do not offer an accepted student day,  however, you can call the Office of Admissions and set up a tour with the visit coordinator.
	31.	What is dorm life like on campus? Are there any clubs a student could join to meet people with the same interests as himself/herself? Dorm life on campus is exciting. about 80% of freshman students live on campus. you can check out the residence life website for more information on dorms and view floor plans http://www.philau.edu/reslife. there are lots of clubs offered on campus such as Fraternities and Sororities (both social and professional), Organizations within your school such as The Association of Architecture Students,  American Institute for Graphic Arts, American Marketing Association, Gemini for those who like to perform. you can check out the different organization's websites through the following link http://www.orgs.philau.edu
	32.	Do a lot of the students leave on the weekends to go home? There are a number of students who leave to go home on the weekends, but there are always lots of activities to do on campus if you stay. every Friday and Saturday the Campus Activities Board host different events. in the past events have ranged from comedians and hypnotists to movie nights and open mic nights.
	33.	Why the Philadelphia University fashion program is the best? The fashion design program here at Philadelphia university gives students a strong foundation in both design and business. a lot of the professors here are part time because they have their own businesses in the field and they are teaching students first hand from their job experiences. also the technology that is used is all up to date with the fast paced world of fashion. the fashion design students have opportunities to add an international dimension to their education by participating in the study abroad program during their sophomore year. by doing this they gain a cross-cultural experience as well as broadening their design skills and enabling them to strengthen their competitive edge in the global marketplace.
	34.	Should freshmen have a laptop computer? If so, what kind do most kids use. Purchasing a desktop or a lap top will depend on your personal preference. whether you will like to carry your computer or not etc. Depending on whether you will be purchasing a MAC or a PC there are different requirements. You can go to the following site for more information  http://www.philau.edu/oit/helpdesk/stucompreq.htm it will give you the recommended hardware and software for both a PC and a MAC.
	35.	Do the fraternities and sororities have houses? No, The fraternities and sororities on campus do not have houses on campus. However, most members of the fraternities and sororities do live together whether it be off campus or on campus.
	36.	Are we required to bring a computer? Do you recommend a desk or lap top? Is this school wireless? You are not required to bring a computer, however it is recommended. there are public labs available on campus. however they are not opened 24 hours a day. purchasing a desktop or a lap top will depend on your personal preference. whether you will like to carry your computer or not etc. Depending on whether you will be purchasing a MAC or a PC there are different requirements. You can go to the following site for more information  http://www.philau.edu/oit/helpdesk/stucompreq.htm. it will give you the recommended hardware and software for both a PC and a MAC. there are hot spots on campus where you can access the wireless network and those areas are the Gutman Library, the Architecture and Design Center, The Design Center, Smith House with is the Industrial Design center and Tuttleman Center which is where most of the business classes are held.
	37.	Is the campus properly equipped with all the things that are needed for students to use and enhance their experience while at Philadelphia University? Yes the campus is properly equipped with the necessary things needed. we have a great Career Services department where you are helped from the beginning with  creating a proper resume and cover letters, and through the whole job process. they also help you with your search for internships. there are two major career fairs that take place on campus here Corporate Connections and Design Expo. you can check out their site for more information. http://www.philau.edu/career
	38.	What is it like to live with another roommate? Do you have a lot of room in your dorm? Its a great experience to live with another roommate on campus. depending on which dorms you are in you might have just one or up to three roommates, and you can always work together to arrange your furniture in a way that gives you more room. be sure to check out the residence life website for the different floor plans in the different dorms. http://www.philau.edu/reslife
	39.	For those going into an art related field, what would you recommend as some ground work to prepare those students for the upcoming fall semester? Going into an art related field, I would say prepare yourself for our course load and be ready to never sleep! Ha. I would say check out "Talk to a Student" and talk to a student who is in any of the art related fields and find out anything you want to know about. They can answer that better for you.
	40.	Around my town there are a lot of places to eat, do have a lot of choices around the campus? Oh Philly... There are definitely places around where you can go eat and hang out with your friends. Manayunk is right down the street from us and it had a lot of nice places to eat and shops and whatnot. It's a nice trip to go down for the day and go shopping but there are also places to stop in and get a bite to eat. There's the INFAMOUS Chubby's that is down the street from the University (a bus ride away if you don't want to walk it) and then going into the city by bus or train there are places everywhere you look that just scream welcome to Philly.
	41.	Being from sunny South Florida, I am afraid I might be shocked by the weather in PA. What do Philadelphia University students do in the cold when Florida students are getting a tan? Oh... Florida!!! Well it does get pretty cold around here, and the amount of snow depends on the year. We have a good number of students from FL and CA that aren't really use to the snow but they'll tell you the same thing. It's something you get use to (if you will). I know being on the freshman side of campus this year for the snow was something else. Lots snowball fights and fort building with the residents and then even a snowball fight or two with my staff. It's fun, and if you've never really had a white winter it's definitely something to look forward to. Just be careful that you don't get hit by surprise with any snowballs.
	42.	What should you do if the roommate you were assigned is someone you know you won’t get along with? First off thank you Victor for your question. Roommates not getting along is not unheard of. It happens. But we (as the RA staff) encourage students to first talk to each other and see if they can work it out that way first and then to see how that goes. If after the students have taken the first step toward trying to solve whatever the problem is then we (the RAs) step in and work out a group discussion to see if the problem can be solved. If at the end of this things still are not working out for the roommates we can do a roommate switch for you.
	43.	What fun activities are there to do on campus and is it easy to get involved? Is it difficult to find your way around off campus and are there a lot of close accessible things to do? There's some type of activity to do one campus every weekend, which is planned by our CAB (campus activities board). Going from concerts and carnivals, to movie night and magic shows. There are tons of clubs like knitting club, outdoors club, major related clubs and organizations such as Delta Phi Epsilon, Student Government and Gemini Theater that you can get involved in around campus. And if there isn't one that you would like to see you can always start a new one (that's how we got most of the clubs we have now). Philadelphia is a city but I have to tell you that half the fun of first getting here and learning the ropes is getting lost and learning your way around the city. Just take the bus or train into the city (not by yourself of course) and just wander. You will find some of the most AMAZING things when you learn about the city that way. Just make sure you remember the address of the University in order to get back here.... we'd hate to lose you.
	44.	Are students allowed to have cars on campus? Upper class students, or students classified as Sophomores. Juniors and Seniors are allowed to have permits for cars on campus. And you must have a permit in order to park on campus. Freshman, or students with less than 30 credits are not allowed to have cars on campus. But you're never stuck here if you will. The train and the bus will take you where ever you'd like to go.
	45.	Did you find it hard to adjust at all? I am coming from a high school where there’s not even 200 people in my graduating class so I am used to small classes and knowing almost everyone. Thank you for your question Tara. I came from a high school of nearly 4,000 students with a graduating class of about 780, so PhilaU was right along my lines. But it takes some time to get use to if you are coming from a smaller school. One of my favorite (or my favorite) thing/attribute that PhilaU has is the people. They are some of the most outstanding that I've met. Everyone is very friendly and coming in as a freshman or even as a transfer you aren't coming in alone. There are hundreds of other people coming into the freshman/transfer class with you. And they are all just as eager to meet new faces and make some new friends. You'll find that it's easy to talk to people here and some of the friendships that you make your freshman year will be with you all four year while you are here.